Mar. 14 – At the iconic El Mocambo, Canadian country singer Amanda Keeles delivered a night of electric, rocking country in a charity concert for the Canadian Cancer Society. I don’t typically gravitate toward country music—my picky tastes in that world lean toward outlaw artists like Willie Nelson, Orville Peck, and Kacey Musgraves—so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Based on the show poster and social media promos, I expected something akin to Carrie Underwood but like, Canadian. Keeles and her band, however, delivered a performance that defied expectations. Their show was a seamless blend of heartfelt storytelling, high-energy rock, classic covers, and a genuine connection to the cause. By night’s end, the audience was buzzing, and I was thoroughly impressed.

Keeles’ voice is a force of nature—bright, strong, and refreshingly authentic. I like that she doesn’t rely on the overdone “yeehaw” twang that often dominates the (American) country scene. Furthermore, her lyrics steer clear of the tired tropes of dirt roads, cold beers, and pickup trucks (though, yes, there were one or two truck mentions—this is still country, after all). Instead, her songs feel grounded and relatable, with a rock-infused edge that keeps things exciting.

The night’s charity aspect struck a deeply personal chord with Keeles. Per a press release before the show:

The Show

Backed by a band of talented musicians, Keeles delivered a sound that felt like The Rascal Flatts meeting an ‘80s hair band—and it was stellar. Scott Szeryk on lead guitar dazzled with solos and driving chords. James Vermue on bass laid down grooves and added backup vocals, showing off his versatility. Brian McHugh on drums was a powerhouse, keeping the energy high all night. He even brought a unique cymbal with cut-out holes I’d never seen before, adding a touch of flair. Shem Jacob on rhythm guitar provided the perfect backbone, ensuring the band’s sound stayed tight and cohesive.

The harmonies were another highlight, with multi-part vocal blends that showcased the band’s chemistry. At times, it seemed like all members joined in, creating a rich, layered sound that elevated Keeles’ already powerful delivery.

The setlist was a perfect mix of originals and covers, weaving classic rock into the fabric of the night. Keeles paid homage to legends of classic rock, blues, and country. For instance, we were treated to a stirring rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s The Chain (one of their greatest, in my opinion). Other classics included The Eagles with Life in the Fast Lane, and a Gretchen Wilson cover thrown in. The highlight for me had to be Blue Öyster Cult’s Don’t Fear the Reaper, this time with lots of cowbell. It was a playful nod to rock history that fit seamlessly into the set.

Keeles’ debut album, Can’t Stop Me Now, was well-represented in the set. Tracks like His Perception showcase her ability to blend nostalgic rock intros (think rolling electric guitar riffs) with country vocal and guitar stylings plus lyrical depth. Her music feels tailor-made for a rollicking road trip or a cross-continental odyssey. It has enough energy to keep you awake and the right heart to keep you connected.

Some moments from the performance, all courtesy of Martin from OavatosPhoto:

First Time at El Mocambo

Making the night special was the cause behind it. Proceeds from the show went to the Canadian Cancer Society, adding a layer of meaning to an already stellar performance.

It was my first time at the storied venue, and I have a couple of thoughts. While I understand that the current management saved the venue, I didn’t really feel like I was in a place of history. I feel like much of the interior design didn’t reflect the heritage of the venue. The exterior palm tree is iconic, but inside it felt like a themed restaurant at a mall. The bathrooms have wall-to-wall illustrations and a strong red theme. I’m glad it’s clean, I’m glad it’s comfortable, but I wonder if such modern flair was necessary.

More about Keeles

This fundraiser kicked off the third leg of Keeles’ Can’t Stop Me Now tour, promoting her debut album of the same name.

Keeles’ path to music is a recent one, making her mark quickly as an artist to watch. After leaving a successful executive career in finance, she took a leap of faith to focus on music full-time. That decision is already paying off, with a breakout year in 2024. In just over a year, she’s earned recognition on platforms like SiriusXM’s Top of The Country and CTV News. She’s also climbed to #5 on the Canadian Country Indie Top 100 chart. Her music videos have premiered at international film festivals, including a win for Best Music Video at the Toronto Independent Film Festival. Add to that airplay on over 50 radio stations worldwide, and a steadily growing social media presence, and it’s clear Keeles is on the rise.

If this show was any indication of what’s to come in 2025, Amanda Keeles and her band—Scott Szeryk, James Vermue, Brian McHugh, and Shem Jacob—are making their mark. They’ve crafted a style that blends country sounds and storytelling with rock energy, and their live performances highlight their skill and chemistry. Even if you’re someone like me who typically avoids the genre, Keeles’ music has a broad appeal—and her live shows are a great way to experience it.

Keep up with Amanda Keeles on Instagram @amanda_keeles, and find her debut album, Can’t Stop Me Now, available to stream or purchase on Bandcamp, and of course Spotify.